Apparatus for processing combustion gases



3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

A. B. DE SALARDI MH HI ul APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING COMBUSTION GASES .w+w 2; J N I! u a I WK .um mw m iled Sept. 26, 195

March 30, 1954 March 30, 1954 A. B. DE SALARDI APPARATUS FOR PROCESSINGCOMBUSTION GASES 3 Sheets$heet 2 Filed Sept 26, 1952 JNVENTOR.

March 30, 1954 A. B. DE SALARDI 2,673,446

APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING COMBUSTION GASES Filed Sept. 26, 1952 3Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR.

Patented Mar. 30, 1954 APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING COMBUSTION GASES Albert"B; De salardt wilkinsburg, Pa. MaryiDe- Salardfi, administratrix of saidAlbert E. De

Salardi, deceased Applicationseptember 26, 1952, Serial N 6. 311,764 QGlaims (Cl. 60--39.17)'

Thisinvention pertainstb devices for salvag ing energy fromcombustion"or exhaust" gases from internal combustion engines of powered air,

land; and water-crafts. I refer to these' by the collective name ofcraft.

Heretofore devices of this character-released:

the combustion-or exhaust ga'ses unprocessed-into thesurrounding medium,air or water utilizing only a relatively small part of the energycontained thereinby taking from them heat-transmitted ihaheating systemof? the craft.

Inasmuch as the-exhaust gasesf'rom internal to provide apparati forprocessing combustion or" exhaust gases to utilize" their heat andchemical energies to the fullest possible extent by: first, producingburnable; relatively light gases such as hydrogen and; carbon monoxidefrom water vapor; carbon dioxide and ammonia contained inthe exhaustgases having generally chemical reactions; second} raisingthe'heat'content of" the" gases by; employing'exothermic reactions, third,providing a chemicalchamber carrying' suitable catalysts" and/ orchemicals to carry outthe desired reactions with the exhaust gasesflowing therethr'ough', fourth, enclosing 'the catalysts and/orchemicals in one or more cartridge type of units fitting: the inside.cavity of the chemical chamber and provided with expahded; perfor-atedor meshed sides" through which the gases"- can enter and leaverelatively unhindered, fifth; providing: suitable opening; sealing andfastening means for the chemical chamber for rap'itiand c'onvenienthandling of the" cartridges'gsi iith; employing:acentrifugingfcham= herwith rotarymeansinducing' circular motion and' pro ucing centrifugalforces in the gases fleeing therethr'oiigh causing radial: separation ard/at concentration of i the gas cdristitue'nts's ac taming to theirparticular specific grammes,

seventh, providing a tubing; centrallyl'o'cated in the flowing gases forcollecting thelighter, burn-- able constituents and carrying rotarymeans for a second centrifugal processing thereof-i eighth; employingconductor means directing selectively the collected burnable gasesthrough filtering means, eliminatingfrom these sol'id matter, andsubsequently to the fuel intake of the internalcombustion engine to beused thereinas'complementaryfuel' or leading them to the atmosphere,ninth, providing'a heatexchanger por tion having an outer shell and aninner shell, the latter having throughgoing long-itudin'al central,peripheral andradial tubes communicating with the space between theshells, the central tube carrying rotary mean's'for a secondcentrifugal' processing of the collected lighter burnable gases, theinner shell havingalso ducts for leading air fromthe outside andinto"the'heat' ing system-of'the craft',tenth, providing heat iii--sulators covering substantially the sides of the device which areexposed to the atmosphere, eleventh, submitting the exhaust gasesto-processing in the following steps: catalytic an'dyor chemicalreactions enriching the'hyd'rogen, car-- bon monoxide and lighthydrocarbon content and/or raisin'g'the heat content,centrif'ugalseparation and/or concentration of" the light,v burn ableconstituents, filtering them and'using'th'e'rnas fuel-after extractingsome of the heat content by air cooling;

The achievement ofthese and other objects and advantages through myinvention willbecome evident to those versed in the art when" perusingthis specification and the accompanying drawing'in which: I

Fig. I is asemi-d'iagrammatic" longitudinal see= tional'view of 'thefirst preferred embodiment of my invention composed of achemicalchamber, an adjacent centrifuging chamber, a heat ex changer portion andan'exhaust outlet control: portion; The chemical chamber, receiving theexhaust gases at the'leftfrom an internal combustion engine, carries acartridge type container withcatalysts and7or chemicals; thecentrifuging chamber has suitably curved vanes for rotatingthe gases;the heat exchanger portion is providedwith streamlined outer and inner'shellsthe latter having throughgoing central, peripheral andradialtubes and suitable air'ducts ;the"ex'- haust outlet controlportionemplbys a-three way valve and a filter communicatingwith the fuelintake of the internal combustion engine for se lectivel'y directing thelighter burna'ble constituenter of" the exhaust gases from the-rcentral: tube into the engine or selectively discharging them into theatmosphere;

Fig. 2 is a composite sectional view through the chemical chamber takenon broken line in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a partial cross sectional view taken on line 3-3 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 represents a partial cross sectional view taken on line 4-4 inFig. 1;

Fig. 5 shows a partial plan view taken on line 55 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a semi-diagrammatic longitudinal view, chiefly in section, ofthe second preferred embodiment of my invention which differs from thefirst one (represented by Figs. 1 to 5) chiefly in that the shells ofthe heat exchanger portion are substantially cylindrical capped by equalconvex end portions and the exhaust gases are taken from and the fuelgas constituents are returned to a jet engine;

Fig. '7 is a partial cross sectional view taken on line 1-1 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 shows a partial plan view taken on line 8-8 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a partial semi-diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of athird preferred embodiment of my invention which differs from the firstone (shown in Figs. 1 to 5) only in that the walls of the inner shellare corrugated;

Fig. 10 is a partial semi-diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view ofthe fourth preferred embodiment of my invention which differs from thesecond one (represented by Figs. 6 to 8) only in that the walls of theinner shell are corrugated;

Fig. 11 is a fragmental semi-diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view ofthe fifth preferred embodiment of my invention which differs from thefourth one only that also the peripheral tubes of the inner shell arecorrugated.

Same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout theseveral figures of the drawing.

Referring to the drawing by the characters of reference, in the firstembodiment of my invention, represented by Figs. 1 to 5, chemicalchamber, designated generally by receives the exhaust gases at left inthe direction of the double headed arrow. As best shown in Fig. 2chemical chamber 20 is composed of housing 22 shown to be shaped as afour sided prism one side 23 of which, preferably the top one is openand is coverable by lid 24 fastened by hinges 26 and hinged bolts 28 tothe adjoining sides of housing 22 which carries also suitable fulcrumpins at 30 for bolts 28. Lid 24 is provided with endwise open slots 32each of which registers with, and admits one, hinged bolt 28 in closedposition of lid 24. Suitably shaped gasket 34 is fastened with approvedmeans such as rivets or bolts 35 (shown) and/or cemented to the innerside of lid 24 sealing housing 22 against escape of the exhaust gasesflowing under pressure therein.

The outer surfaces contacting the atmosphere of housing 22 are coveredwith one or more layers of non carbonizing heat insulating material 38such as asbestos or other well known insulators and lid 24 is alsocovered with suitably shaped insulator 39 reducing the heat losses tothe atmosphere thereby increasing the emciency of the processesconducted in the device.

Housing 22 accommodates a catalytic and/or chemical cartridge generallydesignated by 40 which is composed of a box or container 42 suitablyshaped to fit the interior cavity of housing 22 and is introduceablethereinto, respectively extractable therefrom, through the open side oraperture 23. Container =32 carries a charge of catalytically and/orchemically active materials 44 in comminuted, granular, spongy orpulverized form offering sufiiciently large surface for the desiredreactions with the exhaust gases and ample intergranular space for theirpassage therethrough without appreciable resistance or excessivepressure drop. Sides it of container 42 extending laterally and throughwhich the gases enter and leave the chemical chamber 2% are fromperforated, expanded, latticed or meshed (as shown: the sides it heindesignated as perforated) material which may be also catalytically orchemically reactive upon the gases; the perforations or openings aresuitably small to retain the charge in the cartridge but large enoughfor the required flow of the gases. Cartridge 40 may be substituted by aplurality of smaller cartridges (not shown) each charged with the sameor differing reactive material. At least one side of container 42,preferably that which is located adjacent to opening 23, is providedwith means for lifting tool engagement such as holes 48.

Attachment means such as circular flanges 50, flat headed bolts 52,hexagonal headed bolts 54 and sealing means such as gasket 56 of heatresisting material with central opening 5! are provided for housing 22;the attachment means serving to fasten it to the flanged exhaust pipe(shown in chain lines at the left) bringing the exhaust gases frominternal combustion engine 59, and also to the centrifuging chamber,generally denoted by (ill, on the right side, gaskets 5t preventing theescape of any sub stantial amount of the exhaust gases into theatmosphere. The outer sides of the attachment means are shown to be bareand/or covered in part by insulator 35; it is obvious that they may beentirely covered. The catalytically and/or chemically reacting materialsit. are carbon, certain metals such. as iron, chromium, thorium, nickel,platinum, potassium, aluminum, iridium, rhodium, etc. and their oxides,all well known and used in the manufacture of hydrogen, carbon monoxideand other fuel gases.

Centrifugal chamber 60 is composed of a preferably cylindrical tubularbody 62 having longitudinal central axis M and being provided withrotary means such as internal, suitably curved stationary vanes orblades, singular, or continuous, deflecting the gases flowing throughthe chamber to follow a circular path about axis 54 and be subject tocentrifugal separation according to the specific gravities of theconstituents. A preferred shape of the deflecting vanes is a continuoushelical surface 56 the helix angle of which can be determined by theskill of a mechanic taking into consideration the pressure and velocityof the gases, their specific gravities, the dimensions of tubular body62 and the desired separating effect. Fig. 1 shows helical vane 65having an axial length of one turn or 360 only but it will be understoodthat it may extend over any desired length or number of turns. Holdfastmeans such as spots welds 68 and plug welds 1'0 fasten helical vane 56to tubular body 82. It is obvious that instead welding, brazing,riveting, bolting or any other approved means of fastening may be used.Attachment means, such as flange 12, rigidly fixed to, or integral withtubular body 62, screws 52 and 5t and sealing means such as gasket 56fasten centrifuging chamber 60 securelyto catalytic chamber III. Heatinsulator I4 coversthe atmos'phericside of "chamber 60 and may enclosethe attachment means entirely.

Rigidly fixed to tubular body 62 by known fastening means such as "bycontinuous circumferentialsealing seam weld i6 is the heat exchangerportion, generally "denoted by 86, composed from the following'partseach of which is generally designated by the numerals assigned: an outersheilaillpan inner'shell'83, an air-inlet duct M, an air-outlet duct 93and an exhaust outlet con trolportion I00. v

Outer shell BI is a substantially streamlined elongated vessel having anaxis of symmetry coinciding with axis 64 terminatingwitha n outwardlyconvex, preferably spherical surfaced fronti'end '82 (in the directionof the normal travel of the craft) and a similar rear end 82' havingsmaller radii of curvature, each having a cut-out or ap'erture 8| and8!, respectively, coaxial withaxi's *6'4 and communicating withcentrifugmg chamber 65 and exhaust outlet control portion I00,respectively. Ends 32 and 82 are sealin'gly connected with an outwardlyconvex tubularmiddle portion 82" which is preferably a 'conical frustrumand has suitable cutouts or apertures 9| and 93' to receive air-inletduct 9! and airoutlet duct 93, respectively, sealingly attached theretoby suitable fastening means such as circumfeiential seam welds '16.

Inner shell 83 is a. substantially streamlined and'similarly shapedvessel as outer shell BI the former having smaller dimensions and iscarried by and within the latter. Inner shell 83 has also outwardlyconcave, preferably spherical front end'8'4, rear end 84' of smallerradii of curvature and a sealingly connecting, preferably conical middleportion '84". The differences between corresponding dimensions of outerand inner shells are such that the free cross sectional areas betweenthem satisfy the particular flow requirements of the exhaust gases andallow volumetric expansion for sound dampening effect. In Figs. 1-, 3and 4 these numerical differences are shown to be substantially constantbut it is obvious that they may vary according to choice and design ofthe apparati.

Inner shell 83 has suitable cutouts 9I and 93' for insertion of airducts 9! and 93, respectively.

Inner shell 83 has suitable cutouts of apertures toadmit onelongitudinal central tube 86, a plurality of longitudinal peripheraltubes 88 and a plurality of radial or cross tubes 90 sealingly attachedto the inner shell by suitable fastening means such as continuouscircumferential'seam welds I6; except 86 all these tubes communicate inboth directions with the space between shells 8| and 83, tube at.communicates as one and only. The radial tubes 9!! also communicate withcentral tube 86.

Longitudinal central tube 85 is provided with internal rotary means suchas stationary vanes or blades 8'! which may be singular or, as shown,continuous and suitably curved to deflect the gases, flowing through thetube, to follow a circular path developing'centrifugal forces causingseparation of the gas constituents according to their different specificgravities. The preferred shape of the vanes shown is having a continuoushelical surface the helix angle and number of turns to be determined bythe skill of the mechanicupon data of design specified, just as in caseof vanesfifi. Suitable holdfast means such asspot welds 98 and plugwelds III fasten vanes 81 to the wall of central tube 86.

of internal combustion engine 59.

Air-inlet duct 9| consists of a tubular body 92 which, as shown in Fig.5, is streamlined in the same direction as outer and inner shells 8| and83 having outwardly convex, preferably cylindrical frontward andrearward ends the former having a radius of curvature R: and the latterR1 where Rf is larger than RT; the lateral sides are plane, as shownconnecting the curved ends, or maybe outwardly convex. Tubular body 92is sealingly attached to both shells along their cutouts or apertures SIby suitable fastening means such as continuous circumferential seamwelds I6 and is provided with suitable attachment and sealing means suchas flange 9'5 and gasket 96, respectively, both having suitable holes 91for bolts (not shown) fastening it to any air inlet structure as (shownin chain lines) which the craft may possess.

Air outlet duct 93 is'similarly constructed as air -inlet duct 9 I, haspreferably the same dimensions and is, the same way attached to theinner and outer shells along their cutouts or apertures 93 by sealing,continuous circumferential seam Welds is. The ducts are preferablypositioned, as shown, so that outlet duct I33 lies in the ver-'- ticalprojection above the air-inlet duct 9| for promoting air circulation byutilizing the upwardly rising tendency of the heated air but it shouldbe understood that the location and d1- mensions of the ducts are amatter of choice depending upon the design of the air circulating systemof the craft; air enters and leaves as per arrows cc and ha,respectively. To accentuate this the corresponding parts of outlet-duct93 are denoted by primed numerals. So 92' dos ignates the tubular bodyof air-outlet duct 93, 95' its flange, 96" its gasket and 91' its boltholes. Insulator 98 covers the outer surface of outer shellBi andinsulator 99 and 99' the outer surfaces of air-inlet duct 9| andair-outlet duct 93, the latter being connected and in communication withthe heated air-distributing system (shown in chain lines) I92 of thecraft.

Exhaust outlet controlportion I09 has a tubu lar, preferably cylindricalbody I64 of suitable cross sectional areas and is rigidly and sealinglyjoined with the rear end 82' of outer shell BI along cutout 8!" bycontinuous circumferential seam weld It. Tubular body I34 communicateswith the interior of outer shell BI at one side (through cutout 8") andon the other side with the exhaust distributing system I05 (shown inchain lines) of the craft. Flange I06, integral with or rigidly attachedto tubular body I04, and gasket Ill, provided with the necessaryboltholes I03 and bolts serve as attachment means to the exhaustdistributing system I 95 which communicates with the atmosphere.Longitudinal central tube 36 is sealingly connected through a suitablebend 599 to a known three-way valve III), shown to be located outside oftubular body I04, and having a valve body I I2 provided with a duct II4, which, in the position shown, establishes communication betweenlongitudinal central tube and known filter lie that retains solidparticles from the gases and the outlet of which communicates with thefuel su ply pipe or manifold I I8 Turning valve body H2 by suitablenumber of degrees (shown to be duct I I I, in its new position (shown inchain lines) connects longitudinal central tube 86 through bypass IZIIwith tubular body I04. While Fig. 1 shows three-way valve Illloutside oftubular body Ie tit is obvious that it may be located inside of thetubular body the latter being provided with correspondingly increasedcross sectional areas required for suitable flow of the gases.

Flanged and bolted attachment means were shown to fasten engine exhaustpiping 58, the chemical chamber 28, centrifuging chamber 60, heatexchanger portion Bil, air inlet structure 98, air distributing system1&2, exhaust distributing system Hi5 wherever one of these structuresjoins the adjacent one but it will be understood that the attachmentmeans are not restricted to the flanged and bolted ones but may be ofany approved type such as screwed, fused, flexible ball jointed, etc.

The described first preferred embodiment of my invention operates asfollows:

The hot exhaust gases from internal combustion engine 59 are led bysuitable exhaust piping (not shown) through its flanged end portion 58(shown in chain lines) into chemical chamber passing through perforatedor meshed sides 45 of cartridge l0 and the therein contained catalyticand/or chemical substances M which induce, accelerate and maintain inthe gases chemical reactions resulting in the enrichment there ofespecially of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and taking advantage ofexothermic reactions to raise the temperature of the obtained gasmixture.

The catalysts and/or chemicals 44 used are well known such as carbon,metallic iron, chromium, thorium, platinum, potassium, aluminum,iridium, rhodium, etc. and their oxides and the resulting reactions aresimilar to those obtained with water gas, the chief constituents ofwhich are hydrogen and carbon monoxide. I am substituting water gas byexhaust gas which is enriched in hydrogen and carbon monoxide in thechemical chamber hence the resulting reactions will be qualitatively thesame as obtained with water gas. As exhaust gases contain a relativelylarge amount of water vapor at high temperature (1,000 F. and over)hence every known catalytic and/or chemical reaction for producinghydrogen from water may be utilized by my invention.

Some exemplary catalytic and/or chemical reactions occurring in theprocessing of the exhaust gases by the invented device:

or in words, carbon contained in substance 44 and water vapors atsuitable temperature yield hydrogen and carbon monoxide enriching theexhaust gases with these fuel gases.

or in words, water gas and steam passed over a catalytic mixture of theoxides of iron, chromium and thorium at 500 C. or 932 F. yield hydrogenand carbon dioxide.

Note, that the resulting hydrogen and carbon dioxide widely differ as totheir specific gravities (.0696 and 1.520, respectively) hence aresubstantially separable from each other by centrifugal processing suchas given in centrifuging chamber 6i! and central longitudinal tubing 86.

Where the exhaust gases contain ammonia the latter will break down withthe help of suitable catalysts added to substance 44:

The above and the following reactions are de-- scribed in almost anyadvanced textbook of chemistry, as a specific authority for theaforegoing reactions I cite Prof. Harry N. Holmes: Introductory CollegeChemistry Rev. Ed. pp. 66, 67.

3Fe+4HzOZFeaO4+4Hz+38,400 calories This reaction is exothermic addingheat to the resulting gas mixture and expressed in words: metallic ironwith steam give iron oxide plus hydrogen and the indicated amount ofheat according to the iron-steam process. (See Prof. Allen Rogers:"Industrial Chemistry 5th Ed. vol. 2, p. 810.)

CO+H2O at 500 C.; CO2+H2+10,000 calories (See Prof. William ThorntonRead: Industrial Chemistry p. 1'72.)

The resulting hydrogen and carbon dioxide may be separated bycentrifugal processing as explained previously.

Having undergone catalytic and/or chemical processing, which I callcollectively chemical processing, the exhaust gases and new constituentsass from the chemical chamber 20 into centrifuging chamber 62 forcentrifugal separation. Helical vanes 66 deflect the flowing gasesforcing them to rotate about axis 64 (as shown by the double headedarrows) generating centrifugal forces therein and causing separation ofthe constituent gases according to their specific gravities, segregatingthe lighter ones such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide and some nitrogentoward the axis [is and the heavier constituents such as carbon dioxidetoward the periphery of the passageway, more particularly toward thespace between outer shell 8| and inner shell 83 and also towardlongitudinal peripheral tubes 88 and finally through the exhaust outletcontrol portion. Hit into the atmosphere.

The lighter gas constituents such as hydrogen and. carbon which I callcollectively fuel gases, are directed by centrifugal forces toward axis64 and into longitudinal central tube 86 where they are subjected to asecond centrifuging or concentrating action induced by helical vanes 81which expel most of the heavier constituents through radial tubes towardthe space between the shells so as to join the previously ejectedheavier gases in their journey toward the atmosphere.

The path of the lighter gases resulting from the second centrifugalprocessing is shown by the triple headed arrows with an appended Z, thatof the heavier ones by a triple headed arrow with an appended h.

The light constituents are directed by the end portion of longitudinalcentral tube 86 toward three-way valve H0 and, in the position shown inFig. 1, toward filter H6 which retains solid impurities and from whichthe cleaned fuel gases enter manifold I it of internal combustion engine59 to be used as part of the fuel for the engine.

If operating conditions are such that this fuel is not desired thethree-way valve body H2 is turned into the exhaust position (shown bychain lines), directing the lighter gas constituents into the exhaustoutlet control portion I00 and subsequently into the atmosphere.

Cold air from the atmosphere enters through air-inlet duct 9!, passesthrough inner shell 83 sweeping its inner surface as well as the outersurfaces of longitudinal peripheral tube 88, longitudinal central tube86 and radial tubes 90 in heat transmitting relationship taking up heatfrom the exhaust gases and/or additional gases produced by the chemicalprocessing in chemical chamber 20.

The heated air entersvia the air-outlet duct.

93 the heated air distributing system I92 of the craft.

In the heat exchanger portion 89 the passages, for air and those for theexhaust gases are separated and sealed from'each other preventingintermixture; they form'two sets of passages one extending over theother or through the other which structure I characterize that the twosets of passages are transpiercing each other.

As the passages for the exhaust gases are so dimensioned that theyprovide for predetermined volumetric expansion of, and correspondingpressure drop in the exhaust gases the structure is effective also as amuiller, dampening the sounds generated by the operation of the internalcombustion engine 59.

The insulators I4, 99, 99, 99, 38 and 39 afiixed to the outer surfacesof the device reduce the heat losses to the atmospherethereby increasingthe efficiency of the operations conducted there- 1n.

Figs. 6 to 8 illustrate the second preferred embodiment of my inventionwhich differs from the first one (represented by Figs. 1 to in theshapes of the heat exchanger portion, the air ducts and is shownattached to an internal combustion engine I59 which is a jet enginepowering the craft.

The heat exchanger portion, generally denoted by I80 is composed ofouter shell I8I which is an elongated vessel having an axis of symmetrycoinciding with axis 64 and terminating in outwardly convex, preferablyspherical front-end I82 and an equal rear-end I92 which ends aresealingly connected by an outwardly convex, preferably cylindricaltubular middle portion I82".

Inner shell I83 is a vessel similarly shaped as outer shell I8I, theformer having smaller dimensions and being carried by and within thelatter. Inner shell I83 has outwardly convex, preferably sphericalfront-end I84, an equal rear-end I84 and a sealingly connectingpreferably cylindrical middle portion I84.

Inner shell I83 has suitable cut-outs or apertures to admit onelongitudinal central tube 86, a plurality of longitudinal peripheraltubes 88 and a plurality of radial or cross tubes 99 sealingly attachedto the inner shell by suitable fastening means such as continuousseam-welds 19.

Air-inlet duct I9! has a tubular body I92 provided with outwardlyconvex, preferably cylindrical frontward and rearward ends of preferablyequal radii of curvature R the lateral sides are preferably plane asshown, or they might be outwardly convex.

The air-outlet duct I93 is similarly shaped as the inlet-duct and haspreferably the same di mensions.

Fig. 9 illustrates the third preferred embodiment of my invention whichdiffers from the first one (shown in Figs. 1 to 5) only in that theinner shell, generally designated by 283, has corrugations 284 providinga greater heat transmitting surface.

Fig. 10 represents the fourth preferred embodiment of my invention whichis the same as the second embodiment (shown in Figs. 6 to 8) except thatthe internal shell 383 is provided with corrugations 384.

Fig. 11 illustrates the fifth preferred embodiment of my invention whichis the same as the fourth one except that the longitudinal periph- :0eral tubes I 88'- arealso provided with corrugations I89.

The operationof the second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments is thesame as that of the first one, hence its description is not repeated.

In the aforegoing I have made a complete disclosure of my inventionby'desoribing and showing five preferred embodiments and the operationsthereof but it will be understood that they are illustrations only and Ido not'intend to be limited by them to the exclusion of equivalent .orrepetitious structures, but what I claim as new and wish to secure .byLetters Patent is what the appended, claims define.

I claim:

I. In a craft," powered by at least one internal combustion engine andhaving a heated air distributing system, a'mufiier-heater comprising achemical chamberreceiving constituents of the exhaust gases from saidengine, chemically and catalytically active" material carried in saidchemical chamber producing fuel gases from at least one of saidconstituents, a centrifuging chamber communicating with said chemicalchamber, rotary means in said centrifuging chamber inducing circularmotion in said exhaust and fuel-gases raising centrifugal forces thereinwhereby the lighter gas constituents are segregated toward, and theheavier constituents away from, the center of said centrifuging chamber,heat exchanger means" communicating with said centrifuging chamber andincluding separate atmospheric air passage means and exhaust gas passagemeans in heat transfer relationship,

' said air passage and exhaust gas passage means sealed from each other,said exhaust gas passage having means for leading said lighter gasconstituents toward the fuel inlet of said internal combustion engine tobe utilized as a portion of its fuel and directing the heavierconstituents toward the atmosphere and gas filtering means inserted insaid exhaust gas passage means retaining solid impurities from said fuelgases.

2. In a craft, powered by at least one internal combustion engine andhaving a heated air distributing system, a muffler heater comprising achemical chamber receiving constituents of the exhaust gases from saidengine, chemically and catalytically active material carried in saidchemical chamber producing fuel gases from at least one of saidconstituents, a centrifuging chamber communicating with said chemicalchamber, rotary means in said centrifuging chamber inducing circularmotion in said exhaust and fuel gases raising centrifugal forces thereinwhereby the lighter gas constituents are segregated toward, and theheavier constituents away from the center of said centrifuging chamber,heat exchanger means communicating with said centrifuging chamber andincluding separate atmospheric air passage means and exhaust gas passagemeans in heat transfer relationship, said air passage and exhaust gaspassage means sealed from each other, said exhaust gas passage meansleading said fuel gases toward the fuel inlet of said internalcombustion engine to be utilized as a portion of its fuel and directingthe heavier constituents toward the atmosphere and gas filtering meansinserted in said exhaust gas passage means retaining solid impuritiesfrom said fuel gases, said atmospheric air passage means having atubular air inlet duct connected to the atmosphere and a tubular heatedair outlet duct connected to said heated air distributing system, acontainer fitting the interior of said chemical chamber andaccommodating said active material and heat insulator means affixed tothe outside of said muflier heater for reducing the heat losses to theatmosphere, said heat exchanger means including an outer shell and asmaller inner shell, the former enclosing the latter, one longitudinalcentral tube, a plurality of longitudinal peripheral tubes and radialtubes sealingly extending through said inner shell communicating withthe space between said shells and rotary means carried by saidlongitudinal central tube subjecting the gases therein to a secondcentrifugal'processing.

3. Muiiler heater according to claim 2 in which both said rotary meansinclude continuous spiral vanes rigidly fixed to the interior of saidcentrifuging chamber and said longitudinal central tube, respectively,and said exhaust gas passage means is provided with a valve selectivelydirecting said fuel gases toward said filter means and toward theatmosphere, respectively.

4. In a craft, powered by at least one internal combustion engine andhaving a heated air distributing system, an apparatus for processingcombustion gases comprising a chemical chamher receiving constituents ofsaid combustion gases, chemically and catalytically active materialcarried in said chemical chamber producing fuel gases from at least oneof said constituents, a centrifuging chamber communicating with saidchemical chamber, rotary means in said centrifuging chamber inducingcircular motion in said gases raising centrifugal forces therein wherebythe lighter gas constituents are segregated toward, and the heavierconstituents away from, the center of said centrifuging chamber, heatexchanger means communicating with said centrifuging chamber placingsaid gases in heat transierring relationship with air in said heated airdistributing system, conductor means leading said fuel gases toward thefuel inlet of said internal combustion engine to be utilized as aportion of its fuel and directing the heavier constituents toward theatmosphere and gas filtering means inserted in said conductor meansretain-- ing solid impurities from said fuel gases.

ALBERT B. DE SALARDI.

References Cited in the file 01 this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 1,590,885 Burns et a1 June 29, 1926 1,605,484 Thompson et alNov. 2, 1926 1,756,897 Bilsky Apr. 29, 1930 1,940,700 Riehm Dec. 26,1933 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 469,160 Great Britain .a July20, 1937

